(Alexandria, VA), July 16, 2020—During a virtual awards recognition celebration, the Association for Talent Development (ATD) recognized organizations and individuals for their excellence and contributions across the talent development field.

This year’s winner of the Innovation in Talent Development Award is Memorial Health System.

This award is given in recognition of innovation that has had a measurable impact on an organization or audience, is moving the talent development industry forward, is sustainable, and is replicable within or outside the talent development field.

Memorial Health System is a community-based, nonprofit organization based in Springfield, Illinois, that provides a full range of inpatient, outpatient, home health, hospice, behavioral health, and primary care physician services. Its talent development efforts are based on “intentional alignment between the learning and business strategies.” Initiatives focus on integration by placing learning professionals within projects and workgroups; competencies based on individual strengths and opportunities for growth; partnerships with academic organizations; and outcomes—applying business analytics to measure effectiveness.

An example of the system’s innovative talent development practices is the onboarding process for emergency nurses, which uses point-of-view education in which learners make decisions in a simulated scenario. “This method allows staff members to be submerged in an environment that is conducive to learning and development,” says learning consultant Allison Helmerichs. “Being allowed to make a mistake with no risks and with using limited resources gives the staff confidence to test their knowledge and mentally prepare for the real thing.”

A complete list of award winners can be found on ATD’s website.

About ATD

The Association for Talent Development (ATD), formerly American Society for Training & Development (ASTD), is the world’s largest association dedicated to those who develop talent in organizations. These professionals help others achieve their full potential by improving their knowledge, skills, and abilities. ATD’s members come from more than 120 countries and work in public and private organizations in every industry sector. ATD supports the work of professionals locally across 100 chapters, international strategic partners, and global member networks.